Sandal having multi-positional strapping system

ABSTRACT

A multiple dimensional sandal having a multi-positional strap includes a sole having a heel portion, a forefoot portion, a lateral side and a medial side. A sandal includes a first strap portion having a fixed position with respect to the sole, and a pair of convertible strap portions having moveable positions with respect to one another and to the sole. The convertible strap portions are selectively positionable to define at least three sandal strap configurations. In a first configuration, the convertible strap portions coextend along the first strap portion to define a thong type sandal. In a second configuration, the convertible strap portions extend over the instep of the user&#39;s forefoot to define a thong sandal with an instep strap. In a third configuration, the convertible strap portions extend around the back of the heel to define a thong sandal having a heel strap.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sandals. More specifically, the invention relates to multi-positional strapping systems for securely affixing a sandal to a user's foot and for providing adjustability in the straps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear is usually designed to meet a user's specific needs. For example, sandals can be designed for leisurely activities or for performance activities. Typically, sandals for performance activities will employ more straps around different portions of the foot to more securely hold the foot into the sandal, and sandals for leisurely activities typically have less strap coverage. The performance capabilities of a sandal usually cannot be changed, and as a result, users typically have many different pairs of sandals for different needs.

Further, variations in each individual user's foot results in particular strapping configurations being less comfortable on a user's foot than other strapping configurations. A particular strapping configuration may be comfortable to a user for some applications, but not comfortable in other applications. Typically, the strapping configuration of the sandal cannot be changed to accommodate each individual user's comfort level.

Accordingly, there is a need for sandal that provides multiple strapping configurations for differing performance capabilities and comfort levels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, the above-listed needs are met or exceeded by a sandal having a sole and multi-positional straps. Multi-positional straps include a first strap portion having a fixed position with respect to the sole, and a convertible strap portion having adjustable positions with respect to the sole. The convertible strap portion is positionable in at least two, preferably three or more configurations. In a first configuration, the convertible strap portion is coextends along at least a portion of the length of the first strap portion. In a second configuration, the convertible strap portion extends over the top of the user's instep from the lateral side to the medial side. In a third configuration, the convertible strap portion extends around the back of the user's heel.

Another aspect of the invention is a multi-positional strapping system for a sandal having a sole including a lateral strap receiving structure and a medial strap receiving structure on the sole. A strap has a central first portion secured to the sole, and a lateral end and a medial end that are slidably received in the lateral receiving structure and the medial receiving structure, respectively. The strap has a lateral convertible portion adjacent its lateral end and a medial convertible portion adjacent its medial end. The strap is provided with a plurality of adjustable-for-length fasteners to permit the convertible portions to be adjustably fastened to the first portion or to one another in a plurality of arrangements relative to the sole.

Another feature of the invention is a sandal strap system including at least one fastener on the stationary first strap portion, at least one fastener on the medial convertible strap portion, and at least one fastener on the lateral convertible strap portion; the fasteners being selectively attachable to one another and accommodating arrangement of the strap in a plurality of foot embracing configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a sandal of the present invention, with the straps in a first position;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the sandal with the straps in a second position;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the sandal with the straps in a third position;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the sandal; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a sole of the sandal taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 and in the direction indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, a sandal incorporating a multi-positional strapping system is generally designated 10. The sandal 10 has a continuous strap 12 and a sole 14 including a forefoot portion 16; a heel portion 18 and a midfoot portion 20.

Preferably, the sole 14 is configured to the profile of the plantar surface of the human foot, and comprises an outsole 22 and a midsole 24 with a generally wedge shaped arch 26. The sole 14 is preferably fabricated from a stiff, resilient material, such as polyurethane, dual density SSR rubber, vulcanized rubber or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and may include a plurality of different materials in different locations to provide varying amounts of support to different parts of the foot. Further, the sole 14 may be provided with a microban zinc based anti-microbial protectant. In addition, other elements such as shock pads and shanks may be incorporated in the sole 14.

The strap 12 is fabricated from any suitable flexible material having a tensile strength sufficient to maintain the sandal 10 on the user's foot, such as woven fabric or leather, or any material known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the strap 12 is preferably a single, continuous strap having an essentially stationary central forward portion 44 and a pair of elongate adjustable portions 52 and 54 extending rearwardly from the central portion 44.

The central portion of 44 the strap 12 is secured to the sole 14 in any manner. Preferably, an anchor 28 secures the central portion 44 of the strap 12 into a “thong” arrangement at the forefoot portion 16 of the sole. The anchor 28 is preferably a loop of fabric that slidably receives the strap, however it is contemplated that the strap be fixedly attached to the anchor. Other anchors 28 are also contemplated such as a post, tong or pin for fastening the strap 12 to the sole 14. Alternatively, the strap can be secured by providing a slot in the forefoot portion of the sole, and feeding the strap 12 through the slot to anchor it to the sole 14.

Although the sandal 10 is described as a having a “thong”-strapping configuration, other sandal strapping configurations may be employed, such as a slide configuration. Further, additional straps may be incorporated on the sandal 10.

A medial strap receiving structure is located on a medial side 40 of the sole 14, and a lateral strap receiving structure is located on the lateral side 41 of the sole. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one example of a suitable receiving structure comprising a channel 30 located at the lateral side of the midsole 24. A second channel 38, generally identical to the channel 30, is preferably disposed near a medial side 40 of the midsole 24. The channel 30 extends through the sole 14 from a top surface 32 to a side surface 36 of the midsole 24. The strap 12 is fed through the channel 30. The channel 30, if desired, can have other orientations relative to the sole 14. For example, an alternative channel can comprise a “U”-shape that permits the strap 12 to be fed from the top surface 32 of the sole 14, down into the midsole 24 (preferably above the outsole 22), and back up through the midsole to the top surface of the sole. In the alternative “U”-shape configuration, the strap 12 is not exposed to the lateral outside surface 36. Alternative strap receiving structures could be used in lieu of a channel, such as a ring secured to the sole for slidably receiving the strap. Other suitable strap receiving structures will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The strap 12 is preferably slidable within the channel 30, however it is not strictly necessary for the strap to be freely slidable. Adjustable fasteners are contemplated, such as buckles, snaps and hooks, among others.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A-1C, a multi-positional strapping system 42 includes the strap 12 having first portion 44 including a medial first portion 46 and a lateral first portion 48 forming the thong configuration across the forefoot of the user. The medial first portion 46 extends from the anchor 28 to the channel 38, and the lateral first portion 48 extends from the anchor 28 to the channel 30. The multi-positional strapping system 42 comprises a convertible portion 50 having a lateral convertible end portion 52 of the strap 12, and a medial convertible end portion 54 of the strap. In the preferred strap 10, the lateral convertible portion 52 and the medial convertible portion 54 are located at each end 56, 58 of the strap, and extend from the ends of the strap to the lateral and medial channels 30, 38 respectively.

A top surface 60 of the medial first portion 46 and a top surface 62 of the lateral first portion 48 each include a first fastener 64 and 66, respectively. A bottom surface 68 of the medial convertible portion 54 and a bottom surface 70 of the lateral convertible portion 52 each include a mating fastener 72, 74. Further, at least one or both of the medial and lateral convertible portions 54, 52 have a top surface 76 with a fastener 78 compatible with the fasteners 64, 66, 72, 74. In the preferred embodiment, the fasteners are adjustable-for-length fasteners, preferably mating hook and loop fasteners. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other fasteners providing for adjustability, such as buckles, snaps, hooks, buttons, and clips are contemplated.

The preferred embodiment of multi-positional strapping system 42 has three strapping configurations. In all three configurations, the two end portions 52 and 54 of the strap are threaded through the channels 30 and 38 with the free ends of the strap to the exterior of the sole as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In the first strapping configuration, the end portions 52 and 54 of the strap overlie and are releasably secured to the first portions 46 and 48 of the strap 12 to form a typical “thong” sandal as illustrated in FIG. 1A. More specifically, the bottom surface 68 of the medial convertible portion 54 is attachable to the top surface 60 of the medial first portion 46, and the bottom surface 70 of the lateral convertible portion 52 is attachable to the top surface 62 of the lateral first portion 48. The lateral convertible portion 52 coextends with and is adjustably attached to the lateral first portion 48, and the medial convertible portion 54 coextends with and is adjustably attached to the medial first portion 46. The user can adjust the tightness of the strap 12 by selectively attaching the convertible portion 52, 54 with respect to the first portion 46, 48 along the adjustable length fastener 64, 66, 72, 74.

In the second configuration, the end portions 52 and 54 of the strap are positioned over the instep of a wearer's foot, with one end portion 52 or 54 overlying and detachably secured to the other end portion to define a thong sandal with instep strap, as shown in FIG. 1B. Both the medial and the lateral convertible portions 54, 52 extend over the top of the user's forefoot from the lateral and the medial channels 30, 38. The second strapping arrangement more securely holds the user's foot in the sandal 10 and provides additional performance capabilities over the first strapping arrangement. Further, since the weight of the sandal 10 is distributed across more regions of the user's foot, the second strapping arrangement may be more comfortable to the user.

In the second strapping arrangement, each of the convertible portions 52, 54 adjustably attach to each other. Preferably, the top surface 76 of the lateral convertible portion 52 attaches to the bottom surface 68 of the medial convertible portion 54, or vice versa, with the second adjustable length fastener 78 and 72. The tightness of the strap 10 can be adjusted by selectively positioning the medial and lateral convertible portions 54, 52 with respect to each other along the adjustable length fasteners 78 and 72.

In the third configuration, the end portions 52 and 54 are extended rearwardly around the heel of a wearer's foot, with one end portion overlying and detachably secured to the other end portion to form a thong sandal with heel strap, as depicted in FIG. 1C. The lateral and medial convertible portions 54, 52 adjustably attach to each other similar to the second configuration with the adjustable length fasteners 78 and 72. The third strapping arrangement provides additional performance capabilities over the first arrangement, and further, may provide additional performance capabilities over the second arrangement since the strap encircles the user's foot.

Since each individual user's foot is different, the strapping arrangement providing the most comfort may vary from user to user. Further, the performance capabilities of each strapping arrangement may vary depending on the activity. Further still, it is contemplated that additional strapping configurations can be incorporated. For example, it is contemplated that the lateral and medial convertible portions 54, 52 can form a X-pattern across the forefoot and can fasten to each other behind the user's heel.

In the preferred embodiment, the first portion 44 and the convertible portion 50 form one continuous strap 10 that is slidable through the anchor 28 and the channels 30, 38 to allow adjustment throughout the entire length of the strap when the lateral and medial convertible portions 52, 54 are selectively attached to either their respective first portions 48, 46 or each other. However, it is also contemplated that the continuous strap 10 is fixed with respect to the channels 30, 38, and further, it is contemplated that the first portion 44 and the convertible portion 50 may have discrete straps.

While specific embodiments of the multi-positional sandal 10 and the strapping system 42 of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A sandal with at least one multi-positionable strap for a user, comprising: a sole having a lateral side and a medial side; a first strap portion secured to said sole; a convertible strap portion having a moveable position with respect to said sole; wherein said convertible strap portion is positionable in at least three configurations, including a first configuration where said convertible strap portion is coextensive with at least a portion of said first strap portion, a second configuration where said convertible strap portion extends over the top of the user's foot instep from said lateral side to said medial side, and a third configuration where said convertible strap portion extends around the back of the user's heel from said lateral side to said medial side.
 2. The sandal of claim 1 wherein said first strap portion and said convertible strap portion comprise a unitary strap.
 3. The sandal of claim 1 wherein the tightness of said first strap portion and said convertible strap portion is adjustable in said at least three configurations.
 4. The sandal of claim 1 wherein said first strap portion forms a thong configuration.
 5. The sandal of claim 1 wherein the tightness of said first strap portion is adjustable.
 6. The sandal of claim 1 wherein said first strap portion includes a medial first portion and a lateral first portion, and said convertible strap portion includes a medial convertible portion and a lateral convertible portion.
 7. The sandal of claim 6 further comprising an anchor attached to said sole for securing said first strap portion to said sole, and a medial channel and a lateral channel in the midfoot portion of said sole, said medial first portion extending from said anchor to said medial channel, and said lateral first portion extending from said anchor to said lateral channel.
 8. The sandal of claim 7 wherein said lateral convertible portion extends through said lateral channel and is adjustably attached to said lateral first portion and said medial convertible portion extends through said medial channel and is adjustably attached to said medial first portion in said first configuration.
 9. The sandal of claim 1 further comprising at least one strap receiving structure on said sole for slidably receiving said strap.
 10. The sandal of claim 1 further comprising at least one adjustable length fastener disposed on said strap for adjusting the length of said first strap portion and said convertible strap portion.
 11. A multi-positional strapping system for a sandal having a sole comprising: a lateral strap receiving structure on the lateral side of said sole; a medial strap receiving structure on the medial side of said sole; a strap having a central portion, a lateral end and a medial end, said lateral end of said strap being received by said lateral receiving structure and said medial end of said strap being received by said medial receiving structure, said ends of said strap being adjustable in said receiving structures and relative to one another and said central portion, and being selectively attachable to said central portion and to one another, and accommodating arrangement of said strap in a plurality of configurations relative to said sole.
 12. The strapping system of claim 11 wherein said central portion of said strap comprises a thong configuration.
 13. The strapping system of claim 12 wherein said ends of said strap are attached to said central portion of said strap in said thong configurations.
 14. The strapping system of claim 12 wherein said ends of said strap are extended rearwardly and secured to one another in a configuration adapted to engage a user's heel.
 15. The strapping system of claim 12, wherein said ends of said strap are secured to one another in a configuration adapted to extend over and engage a user's instep.
 16. The strapping system of claim 11 including hook and loop fasteners for selectively attaching said ends of said strap to one another and to said central portion.
 17. The strapping system of claim 11 wherein said ends of said strap are selectively positionable in at least three configurations relative to said sole, including a first configuration where said ends of said strap are attached to and coextend along at least a portion of said central strap portion, a second configuration where said ends of said strap extend over a midfoot portion of said sole, and a third configuration where said ends of said strap extend over a heel portion of said sole.
 18. A sandal comprising: a sole having a heel portion and a forefoot portion; a medial strap receiving structure on the medial side of said sole; a lateral strap receiving structure on the lateral side of said sole; a continuous strap slidably received in said medial and lateral strap receiving structures, said strap including a central first strap portion secured to said sole, and a convertible strap portion that is positionable with respect to said sole, wherein said convertible strap portion comprises a medial convertible portion extending from said medial strap receiving structure, and a lateral convertible portion extending from said lateral strap receiving structure; at least one fastener on said first strap portion; at least one fastener on said medial convertible strap portion; at least one fastener on said lateral convertible strap portion; wherein said medial strap portion and said lateral strap portion are alternately attachable to said first strap portion or to each other.
 19. The sandal of claim 16 wherein said wherein said convertible strap portion is positionable in at least three configurations, including a first configuration where said convertible strap portion is attached to and coextends along at least a portion of said first strap portion, a second configuration where said convertible strap portion extends over the top of a user's instep from said lateral side to said medial side, and a third configuration where said convertible strap portion extends around the back of the user's heel from said lateral side to said medial side.
 20. The sandal of claim 16 wherein the tightness of said continuous strap is adjustable in said at least three configurations. 